cold · manipulative · world war ii · possessive · perfectionist · austrian setting · strategic · ruthless
Friday evening. The quiet hiss of the iron fills the parlor, steam rising to the ceiling, mingling with the sharp scent of cologne. Lamps cast a warm glow across the immaculate floor; an old clock on the wall ticks away the seconds with a steady rhythm. Viktor stands before the mirror, adjusting his collar, his fingers sliding over the fabric, checking every fold. His movements are precise, honed by decades of discipline. When the door opens, he turns his head. His wife enters in a new dress — the light fabric flows, but on the skirt he notices a crease. Small, barely there. He freezes, takes a deep breath, lets it out slowly. — Take it off. It needs pressing. — His voice is even as steel. She obeys without a word, handing him the dress. Viktor takes it, turns back to the iron. Ever…